POV - April 26, 2023

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 38; PM Psalm 119:25-48 
Dan. 5:1-12; 1 John 5:1-12; Luke 4:38-44

Looking out the window of my office at Saint Stephen’s, I can see the skilled workers who are building the columbarium – a wall in the Memorial Garden that will hold niches for funeral urns to be stored. Over these last few months, the laborers have driven heavy machinery to move dirt and rocks, preparing the foundation for appropriate drainage and to withstand the elements. Concrete has been poured. Rocks have been cut, sorted, placed, and sealed with mortar to cover the cinder block infrastructure. The workers sometimes stand and discuss, point and re-evaluate. Guidance is offered. Adjustments are made. The sun beats down on their heads, and their gloves are dirtied by the signs of progress. It is exciting to watch the project move forward from the ground up, through the purview of my ground-level windows.

Hanging within one of my windows is a metal set of angel wings, a gift from a parishioner at St. Thomas in Huntsville. The angel wings are about a foot long and are suspended above the top panel of the window. There are occasions when workers sit in the sill to rest, or they stand at just the right place. If I look up at just one of those times, the laborer in front of my office looks as if he has wings. Whether resting, talking, or lifting, it makes me smile to see a heavenly touch on each of these men. I don’t know that any of these skilled workers know how I see them…and I actually wonder if they realize I am working at a desk just beyond those little windows at their feet.

Musing over points of view, I am drawn to Psalm 38. In my Bible, the heading of this says, “A Psalm of David, for the memorial offering.” This is one of the seven penitential psalms, in addition to Psalms 6, 32, 51, 102, 130, and 143. The footnote states that this is a psalm of individual lament over a serious illness plaguing the psalmist. As I read these prayerful words of supplication to God, I wonder if this was first intended as a private prayer, or if others knew that the psalmist was struggling mightily. In verse 4, the poet wrote, “For my iniquities overwhelm me; like a heavy burden they are too much for me to bear.” Did others around them know how hard life felt? Do those around you know what burdens you carry? Do the pains of your body or lived experience leave you searing, numb, or detached?

I recognize that I do not know even the first bit of the joys and struggles upon the shoulders of those working in the Memorial Garden. And yet, there are times when I see angel wings upon them. This truth reminds me that each of us has inner turmoil and pain. There will be moments when others see the angel wings upon our shoulder blades, lifting us through the muck and mire. And maybe, just maybe, we will hear those stories of hope and encouragement to get us to steady ground as we call out to God to stay near and help us.

Hang in there, my friends. A different point of view reveals the angel wings.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection:

Do you feel stuck in a single point of view? How easy is it to change your perspective? Who or what helps you adjust your field of vision?

Daily Challenge:

Speak to someone this week with whom you often cross paths, but you know little about them. Ask how you can pray for them -- and then do it!